Frieda let the teachers carry Julie the rest of the way out of the cafeteria. The combined strength of three adult males was far superior to her own. And she was more interested in finishing lunch than policing her ex-friend. But the principal called her into his office before she could get very far.
“Eric’s on his way from the lunch room. But I’d like to hear what happened from your point of view first.” he said. Principal Andrews remained silent throughout Frieda’s recounting of the “attack”. Every now and then he’d sigh or groan. Julie Stovall had never struck him as such a troublemaker. She was the daughter of the mayor, and another well liked were.
“Maybe she inherited some of her father’s weaker qualities.” Andrews thought, knowing full well that Martin Stovall had a history of cheating on his wife.
“…and then I grabbed Julie, and we pulled her out into the hall.” Frieda finished her story.
She hoped Eric wouldn’t get in trouble for defending himself. Julie made the first move, he was only trying to keep himself from getting more hurt. Seeing as they should know, Frieda told the principal about how Julie attempted to change Eric yesterday after school. She purposely left out the bit regarding Eric’s wee-wee, as she was sure he didn’t want anyone other than her, Spencer, Nate, Alex and Ben to know about it. Frieda even told the principal about Eric’s desire to be changed into a were so he could be with his girlfriend, and how that was reason behind Julie’s determination to change Eric first.
“But no one was hurt?” Andrews asked again, worried that a normal had just been forcibly turned on his watch.
“No. Not physically anyway.” Frieda added, thinking about Julie’s emotionally turbulent expression.
“Well, I guess the only thing to do is…” Andrews was cut off when his secretary buzzed him that Eric was waiting outside.
“Send him in please.” Andrews replied. Eric walked into the office, looking a bit proud of himself. He wasn’t happy that Julie was in such bad shape. But he couldn’t deny he was glad he finally gave her what she deserved.
Andrews dismissed Frieda from the office. She and Eric exchanged a few words before Eric went into the principal’s office. She told Eric she informed the principal that this wasn’t Julie’s first attack on Eric.
“Don’t worry, I left out the more personal detail. The only thing he knows is that Julie’s been out to get you for several weeks now. And the other day she tried to force you into a change.” Frieda said.
“Ok. Thank Frieda. I guess I’ll see you later.” Eric said.
“Mr. Anderson, sit please. Before we go any further, I just want you to know neither you or Ms. Knight are in trouble. You’re not the guilty party here.” Principal Andrews started.
“That being said, I do need you to make some sort of official statement regarding Julie. Ms. Knight has informed me this isn’t the first time she’d assaulted you.”
“Yes sir. Yesterday, she cornered me outside the school. Part of that was my fault, I should have been paying more attention.”
“Regardless, she still took advantage of the situation. And furthermore, I’m tempted to say that we will have to inform the police of her actions. She committed these acts on school property, and that can’t go unpunished.”
“I don’t really think calling the police is necessary sir. I think this time she got the message. I’m NOT interested in her.” Eric said confidently. And if Julie hadn’t, maybe Eric would try branding it into her skin.
“Hopefully she has. But if not, and if she proves to be a danger to herself or other students, I’m going to have to involve authorities. Which means you’ll have to be ready to talk to them about Julie’s various attempts to harm you. You and anyone else involved.”
“I understand sir. Have you already called her parents?”
“We’re in the process of, why?”
“I don’t know how much they know about the situation. I’m under the impression Julie’s been lying to them about a lot of things. Our ‘relationship’ being on of them.” Eric said. He couldn’t know that Martin and Melissa, at this point, knew more than they cared to about their daughter’s recent actions. They’d be even more disappointed at this most recent development.
“Alright, thank you for telling me.” Andrews said. He was about to dismiss Eric when the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Eric looked a little disheartened, as he hadn’t gotten the change to eat anything what with all the excitement going on around him. Noticing Eric’s changed expression, Andrews said he’d write Eric a note to excuse him from his next class to finish lunch.
“Thank you sir.” Eric said. Above all else, he was glad he’d get a chance to see Spencer before the end of the school day. Sophomore lunch came next, and despite handling everything well, Eric needed to talk to someone.
“No problem. You’d better get going, or else you’ll miss this lunch period too.” Andrews said, smiling as Eric left his office. The were lion noted that the boy had a distinctly feline smell to him. Records showed Eric was normal, but perhaps they would need updating.
“Good luck to both of you. And may the future be less complicated.” Andrews thought. He then prepared himself for the phone call of a lifetime. Informing the mayor his daughter just insinuated a fight in the middle of lunch.